Yesterday, Cisco introduced their latest line of Linksys Smart Wi-Fi Routers (EA4500, EA3500 and EA2700). They look like their last year’s E-series Wi-Fi routers but these new EA series supports Cisco Connect Cloud, a software platform that simplifies management of a wireless home network powered by these Linksys Smart routers.

Sure some routers are quite easy to setup, but how about manage? Like adding restrictions, setting up guest access, prioritizing devices or blocking websites? What Cisco Connect Cloud is allow an ordinary user to easily manage their home network wherever they are. Yup, even while you’re at work, you can easily monitor the status of your home network, and even do some remote management.

You can do remote management by simply logging in to your Cisco Connect Cloud account which is tied to your Linksys Smart routers even when you’re at work, or stuck in traffic on your way home. The Cisco Connect Cloud can be accessed via web browser or via its Android and iOS apps. From the app or the site, you can connect or block wireless devices, set parental controls, manage guest access, or even reset your router if you’re doing troubleshooting for your parent’s house.

I think parents would love the easy way Cisco lets you set parental controls. You can choose your child’s device on the list, and easily block Facebook, or other gaming sites, during homework time so he or she can focus on using the internet for research. You don’t even need your own computer to do this if you have an Android phone or an iOS device.

What makes these new Linksys routers “Smart” is that Cisco allowed 3rd-party app developers to create apps for the Cisco Cloud Connect platform which further adds flexibility and functionality to your Linksys Smart router. For example 3rd-party app Block the Bad Stuff by Fresh Consulting allows you to set security for blocking malicious websites from being accessed by devices connected to your router. HipPlay by Axentra lets you easily do media streaming of content to and from any devices in your home network. If you have an IP camera connected to your router, you can monitor the feeds from it on your iOS device with the use of Gemini IP Camera Viewer.

The Cisco Connect Cloud really adds value to your Linksys Smart Wi-Fi router. Not only will you get great performance from the products but also take full control and act like a professional home network manager without having to study technical manuals.